Tennis team hopes to win league champion for fourth consecutive year

Head coach: Florin Marica

Assistant coach: Jonathon Chui

2015-2016 record: 11-1

2015-2016 recap: The team finished the season as defending league champions for the fourth straight year and second at NorCals after falling short against Menlo.

Key Additions: freshman Monica Stratakos, sophomore Khiara Berkowitz

Key Matchups: Los Gatos and Monta Vista

Star Players: seniors Caitlin Ju and Neeka Nikfar

Key Losses: Shaya Nikfar, Meera Rachamallu, Shireen Haghshenas and Allison Lin

League: De Anza League

Prognosis: “I think our team will definitely be able to exceed our last season’s achievements with the addition of five strong players, and bring home a CCS and NorCals victory,” senior Neeka Nikfar said. “We are focusing on making the most out of our practices while also designating time for team bonding to strengthen our teamwork.”

After claiming its fourth consecutive league championship and placing second at NorCals and CCS last season, falling short to rival Menlo High, the top seed, in both tournaments, the team hopes to exceed last year’s success by winning NorCals.

“We lost four key players, but we are looking forward to another great season with an even stronger team,” senior Kelly Hsu said. “I’m confident that we will be able to win the league championship and hopefully even win CCS.”

Last season, the girls lost to Menlo High in the finals and finished CCS at second place, qualifying for NorCals, where they experienced another disappointing loss against Menlo High in the finals.

“We have five new strong players this year and I think we are definitely capable of achieving another league championship  and even winning NorCals,” senior Shreya Ingle said. “Menlo is considered to be the best team in our area, so we look forward to playing and hopefully beating them this year.”

Though the team ended with a league record of 11-1 after a devastating 4-3 loss to Monta Vista High last season, the girls are determined to remain strong throughout and finish this year with an undefeated record.

“Right now, we are focusing on taking each match and tournament one at a time so that in the end, we will end up with good results,” coach Florin Marica said.